Dec. 23, 2011

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By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - During the 2011-12 season, UCF women's basketball head coach Joi Williams shares her insights on UCF's recent performances and upcoming games in a weekly Q&A. This week, she discusses UCF's first win over an ACC opponent in 25 years and the Knights' experience at No. 3 Notre Dame.

Q: UCF limited Virginia Tech to 32 points, the lowest offensive production by a Knights opponent in 27 years. Can you talk a little about how pleased you were with the defensive effort that went into the game?

We spent a tremendous amount of time on our team defense going into the game, and I was really proud of how well everyone executed our defensive game plan. Offensively, we didn't shoot the ball particularly well, but we were able to get key stops on the defensive end.

Q: UCF played its first BIG EAST opponent since accepting the invitation to join the conference. What do you think was the biggest takeaway from the Notre Dame game?

The game just reinforced the fact that that the BIG EAST is a "beast" in women's basketball, and we've got to work hard to recruit so that we're ready to compete in 2013-14.

Q: More than 8,700 people attended Tuesday's game at Notre Dame. How do you think the environment the Knights played in at the Purcell Pavilion will benefit the team down the road this season?

The atmosphere at the Purcell Pavilion was unbelievable, and it will benefit us when we play in that kind of environment again.

Q: Sophomore forward Sarah Green finally made her return to the court on Tuesday night. How was the rehab process for her, and how does that team feel to have her back just in time for conference play?

It was great to see her back on the court. The rehab process has been very long for her and she's still working on getting as strong as she possibly can. Hopefully, her presence in the paint will be a huge boost for our team.

Q: UCF will play Florida State at home next week. When UCF played Hartford, we talked about your relationship with head coach Jen Rizzotti. Tell us a little bit about your relationship with Seminoles head coach Sue Semrau.

I've known Sue for more than 10 years, and I have a great deal of respect for how she's built the FSU program. I had fun and learned a lot while working USA Basketball with her for the past two summers. As far as stories, what happened in Colorado/Chile stays in Colorado/Chile.

Q: Do you have any Christmas traditions that you do with your family each year?

My dad is like a big kid during the holidays, and his big thing is that we have to open our gifts at midnight on Christmas. Other than that, I really just enjoy the opportunity to count my blessings and having a few days to relax with family and friends.